Thanks to the snowstorm that has shut down most everything here in NW Ohio, it seemed the right time to finish up a podcast. While its a little rambling, I try and paint the picture is that there is a global revolution going on in younger generations that involves freedom and creativity that is being powered by social networking and being fought by Boomers who want to stay in control. I would argue that is what you are seeing in Egypt, in this country, and in Christian congregations. So in the face of revolution, some are choosing to be missionaries who engage faith in a changing world. Others are choosing to be Luddites who attack the digital networks and language of younger generations to “protect” faith and privilege from a changing world. The end result? Dying older churches, growing younger churches, and more and more people walking away from churches as irrelevant and disconnected.
Stately Raven Bookstore Closing
New Luddites – A fascinating commentary by a “digital polytheist” regarding technology, luddism, and religion.
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Tom,
Great podcast! I’ve been listening from the beginning. Really enjoy your perspective. I recently came from one of those churches you talked about; 80 years old and mostly older people, unable to make the shift to a new world. It was with much pain that I decided to leave the faith tradition that had nurtured me from birth. There are some good things going on in that denomination, but not near me. My family started attending a Mennonite church. Surprisingly, this is a church that is over 100 years old, rural, but is vibrant! There is much heritage there, but they make room for dialogue. There are people of all ages and cultures, and perspectives. There is some very “emergent” things happening in, and among this group and we love it. I really believe the Anabaptist heritage is one that’s time has come to shine in our world. There is a great post by Greg Boyd on his blog to this effect. Anyway, I guess there is always an exception. Take care and love the podcast!
Having served in a Mennonite community here in Ohio for eight years, they have a surprising flexibility at times. The economy and the digital shift has changed church life and its going to be interesting and painful to watch the church die and be reborn, one congregation at a time that has been passed by, new ones that understand the new roadmap, and the rare existing congregation that manages to open its culture and hearts beyond itself for the sake of Jesus.